Maharashtra govt seeks help from RSS-linked bodies over malnutrition

After drawing flak from various quarters over the issue of malnutrition in Maharashtra, the BJP-led state government has now decided to rope in RSS-linked organisations to overcome the crisis.

“We are taking help from a few RSS-affiliated Jankalyan Samiti, Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram and Arogya Bharati Sanstha as they are playing a significant role in providing relief in malnourished areas,” said Medical Education Minister Girish Mahajan.

“The workers of these organisations have personal contacts with each household in the areas they are working in. And since they have been doing this for a long time, the goodwill earned by them will definitely help the government,” he added.

Dr Vijay Kulkarni, member of national committee of ‘Arogya Bharti Sanstha’ said they are already working in areas where malnourishment is found and have done a survey of malnourished children with the help of Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) in Palghar district.

“Ideally, the government should provide ‘take home ration’ for malnourished children based on a scientific study instead of providing similar food for everyone in all seasons by only calculating the vitamins, proteins and calories content,” said Dr Kulkarni.

Mahajan said the government will soon start a project aimed at improving conditions of malnourished children and pregnant women in the tribal region.

“A project will start from Palghar district from Thursday with the help of RSS-linked bodies and other NGOs like Tata Trust, Hinduja Trust, Pathalogy Association, UNICEF and fifty reputed doctors as well,” the minister said.

“The government, with the help of all NGOs, will create an awareness among the locals, train them on malnourishment, screen children and treat them,” he added.